CM Sonowal pledges poverty-free, inclusive Assam

Guwahati, May 24: Assam's newly sworn-in chief minister, Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday promised a "poverty-free" state that will serve all sections of the society irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

"We all have to work together. In this election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bodoland People's Front and Asom Gana Parishad went to the people with a pledge to work for all sections of the society, for Assamese, Bengalis, Rabhas, Marwaris and all others. People have reposed their faith in us," Sonowal said in his maiden speech after being sworn-in as the chief minister.

"In Assam, all kinds of people reside. We may have different manner of praying to the God, but we have been living together for ages," Sonowal said.

Referring to the issue of linguistic divide in the state, Sonowal, who spoke in Assamese, said: "Our government will work along with all sections of the society, ranging from the Barak Valley to Brahmaputra Valley."

He said in the last two years Prime Minister Narendra Modi has steered an inclusive central government committed to development and "good governance".

Sonowal also appreciated the immense sacrifices and hard work of foot soldiers of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Sonowal, state's second tribal chief minister, came in for much appreciation for his "clean image and modesty" by Prime Minister Modi who spoke earlier at the venue.

IANS